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Downfall

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The Carter Family are back and this time they mean trouble...

One wrong move...

As the current head of the family firm, Jimmy Carter has decided it’s time for him to step down and for one of his other brothers to lead the family. Except only one of his brothers wants the job – the youngest Carter brother - reckless hot-head, Jonny.

Carla Carter has never forgiven her tramp of a mother for cheating on her beloved dad, Sonny and she’s determined to avenge him in the most perfect by stealing from the man who stole everything from her.

Could mean their downfall.

Her Uncle Jimmy would never consider Carla’s plan – it’s way too risky and dangerous. But Jonny needs to prove himself. He thinks this job could be the one to secure their future and prove his name as the new top dog.

But with Carla and Jonny both blinded by their own pride, the rest of the Carters think they are making a deadly mistake. And instead of securing their family legacy, this one job could cost the Carter family everything...

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2024

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Kerry Kaya

14 books57 followers

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5 stars
317 (65%)
4 stars
115 (23%)
3 stars
36 (7%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,419 reviews
June 19, 2024
The Carters are back and it is a welcome return for those of us who loved the original books
This time the focus is on diamonds,diamonds that they want….from their frenemies the Carters,old rivalries resurface and truces are forgotten as they plot and plan to snatch them

It is as always from this author a character rich story ( I wonder if a ‘cast list’ would be good at the beginning of the book?) and full on action gangland families at war thriller with excitement all the way through and leaving it nicely ready for the next book in the series

It is always a gamble to go back to a family and start a new series but this worked and worked well and it was a good reunion for readers once again thrust into the murky underworld of this family,full of emotion and drama and action.
Profile Image for Els .
1,963 reviews39 followers
April 28, 2024
I remember the Carters very well I am happy the author decided to make a series with the younger generation being prepared to keep up the 'good' work their fathers and grandfathers did and still do. They can learn from the best and one of them shows great potential. Lord, have mercy when he will take over the helm. I have the feeling he will be the most ruthless of them all.

I always enjoy it when to families who are usual not seeing eye to eye teaming up with each other when they have to same goal, to go back to disliking each other again once the goal is achieved. 

Once again the author waved her magic wand to create a fabulous first book in what I hope will be the start of a long series I am already looking forward to devour. 

In all honesty I can say she has mastered the art of writing splendid gangland crimes. 5 stars

Thank you
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,578 reviews128 followers
June 6, 2024
I am a fan of the Carter and Tempest families from previous series the author has written, this one has a mix of the two as well as extended family and other families. A vast cast and a daring robbery amidst daily life for the gang members in this first book of a new series.

With such a large cast this took me a while to get into, introducing the various members of the families involved and how they link together did take the edge off this book at the beginning for me. But, knowing this author's writing as I do, I knew it would soon pick up and the story "proper" as such would then get going. And boy did it ever!

When Carla Carter overhears something about diamonds from her stepdad she finally sees a chance to get back at him. Jonny Carter is the ideal person to approach about stealing these diamonds as he has just been given the family's leadership, the businesses and the other illegal activities they are part of. Seeing this as a chance to make his mark he decides to take the risk. Diamonds have always been bad luck for the family and now he is in charge he thinks he has the chance to break the bad luck.

There is a rival gang and these are notorious, vicious and slightly warped in the way they treat people and think of others. To be fair though I think anyone that lives in this type of environment has to have something in them that is broken. With everyone being on edge there are frayed tempers, words exchanged and with this is bitterness and this makes it easy for people to do rash things or take undue risks.

The author has provided another amazing story, it is complex but reads well and there are many twists to keep you on your toes. A lot is going on in this book and for me it was exciting and dangerous. But there are also some very poignant moments when you read about loyalties and respect. Families are in danger and there are going to be risks, so trying to keep all the potential weak spots covered is going to be a challenge. This becomes evident towards the latter stages of the book.

This is a fabulous start to the series, it would have been handy to have a quick run-down of the families at the beginning. I do think this would have made it a little easier to get to grips with all the characters. But, as I mentioned earlier, when I got to know them it became easier. I did find that some of the similarities in names were another thing that caught me out.

If you are looking for a series that is full of excitement, the unexpected, danger and action-packed and unpredictable then this is a book you want to keep an eye out for. It is one I would happily recommend.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,426 reviews38 followers
July 1, 2024
Downfall is the first title in an explosive new series about the Carter family from best-selling author Kerry Kaya.

Jimmy Carter has decided that the time has come for him to call it quits. As head of the family firm, it’s time to step aside and let the next generation take over. However, the only member of his family who wants to step up is hotheaded Jonny who is reckless, unpredictable and so irresponsible, he could end up costing his whole clan dear.

Meanwhile, Carla Carter is still not over the fact that her mother had cheated on her beloved father, Sonny, so she has put in motion a twisted plan of vengeance by stealing from the man who stole everything from her. However, Carla needs to think long and hard about her plan for revenge because one false step and the whole business could go up in smoke.

Will Jonny and Carla let their ruthless ambitions and unshakeable pride get in the way of the family empire? Can they manage to keep a tight hold on the reins of the business? Or will the Carter clan end up with nothing?

Gangland thriller fans have come to rely on Kerry Kaya to deliver a fast-paced, gritty, exciting and jaw-dropping tale of family, violence and secrets and in Downfall she has once again penned a superb page-turner where the shocks come so thick and fast they will leave readers reeling. A fantastic gangland thriller that has me eager to read the next titles in the series, Downfall is another must-read by Kerry Kaya.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
2,499 reviews23 followers
June 24, 2024
Downfall by Kerry Kaya and the Carters are back! and it's great to see them back again and you know it can only be trouble Jimmy Carter especially as Jimmy is currently the head of the family firm. But, Jimmy Carter has decided it’s time for him to step down and for one of his other brothers to lead the family. Except only one of his brothers wants the job is the youngest Carter brother is the reckless hot-head, Jonny.

Carla Carter has never forgiven her tramp of a mother for cheating on her beloved dad, Sonny and she’s determined to avenge him in the most perfect by stealing from the man who stole everything from her.

This could mean their downfall!

When her Uncle Jimmy would never consider Carla’s plan especially as its way too risky and dangerous. But Jonny needs to prove himself. He thinks this job could be the one to secure their future and prove his name as the new top dog.

But with Carla and Jonny both blinded by their own pride, the rest of the Carters think they are making a deadly mistake. And instead of securing their family legacy, this one job could cost the Carter family everything.........

WoW this book is a roller coaster ride and a great first instalment to the new Carter family series.....I loved it and looking forward reading the next book within this series.

I highly recommend it. Another 5 star read and a great holiday read.

Big Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Profile Image for Anne.
671 reviews
May 11, 2024
I really like Kerry Kaya as an author and have always enjoyed reading her books. Downfall is a good read, just not one of her best for me. As always the writing is good, the plot line moves fast and is full of thrills, action and suspense. I found it hard to like and relate to two of the main characters - Jonny and Carla which surprised me as I'm usually on board with the characters this author creates. In my opinion Jonny comes across as reckless, arrogant, desperate to make his mark in the family business and won't listen to opinions different to his, and Carla is selfish and spoilt. Jonny takes over the family business and plans a job that his brothers think is dangerous and will fail so won't back him. I liked the reappearance of characters from previous books, especially the Tempest family and Rina. I finished this read liking Carla a bit more and I'm still undecided about Jonny. Job done to the author though in creating two absolutely hateful characters and I couldn't wait for them to get their come uppance.

Overall a good and enjoyable read which I'd recommend if you like gangland books. I'd want to read the next book in series to see if I like Jonny more.

3 stars
192 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2024
I’ve read quite a few of Kerry Kaya’s books and they never disappoint. They’re fast paced, full of action and always keep me engaged. This book was great and I now want to go back and read the other Carter family books in order.

Jimmy Carter has had enough of running the family business and wants to permanently live abroad with his partner. He has to make a decision as to whether to leave the running of the businesses to his twin brothers Sonny and Mitchell or with his youngest brother Jonny. Jimmy knows that whatever decision he makes he is going to upset somebody.

The family get embroiled in a feud with a rival gang and plot to steal some diamonds. Things don’t go as planned and there are lots of people who are worried.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
370 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2024
Kerry Kaya has done it yet again with another great book and a brand new series about the Carter family. This time round the focus is on the younger members of the family. I was totally hooked from the first sentence in this gritty gangland thriller that revisits past characters but with Jonny Carter now in charge they take a new direction and that’s stealing diamonds. Not only that they are planning to take them from rivals the Tucker brothers. This is fast paced and has plenty of twists, turns and violence, although the violence is never too graphic. Can’t wait for the next one! Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC
Profile Image for mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett.
777 reviews20 followers
June 21, 2024
So, l've read a few books by the author, which l've loved, but I don't think l've managed to read any in order or by series, so I recognised most of the characters but not how or where they all fitted in together. So l'm setting myself a challenge to catch up on them all fully!
The grittiness/violence and downright darkness were spot on, the new Carters seem even crazier than the originals (hard to believe!!). I also throughly enjoyed that alongside the underhanded behaviour and gangland warfare, the were tones of loyalty, romance and forgiveness.
This is a must for readers who love violence and heists, add it to your TBR!
415 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2024
From start to finish this new book by one of my favourite authors was one that was hard to put down.Such great storytelling and the bringing together of the Carters and Tempest families was such a great move,yes all the characters are flawed in one way or another but that's what makes the read so good.
I, for one, can't wait for the next instalment. I'm sure the next generation will be just as if not more brutal than their elders.
A must-read for lovers of gangland crime books.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
Profile Image for Tracy ann  Robinson.
988 reviews25 followers
April 28, 2024
The carters are back, and you know it can only be trouble Jimmy Carter. Wants to step down running the family business and live in Spain with his partner. so, he puts. Jonny in charge . the other brothers not happy about this. Now Carla Carter his niece wants to get back at her stepfather she blames him for her parents break up. She knows Bernie has the stolen Dimond's in his house. Johnny is all up for doing it. it's such an addictive read. This author is an amazing gangland writer. looking forward to the next book in this series
34 reviews
July 12, 2024
Very disappointing, I’m a fan of Kerry Kaya but this book left me wondering why she can go from serious page turning stories to this rather one dimensional narrative. Frankly I couldn’t care less about the characters and as the story didn’t have any twists and turns or sub plot I struggled to even complete it.
I am putting this down as a bad day at the office and know full well Kerry will come out fighting in the next instalment.
I truly hate to give a poor review of an author I revere but I have to be honest and hopefully constructive in my criticism.
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 1 book29 followers
May 3, 2024
If you like your gangland/crime thrillers then this is one for you. The Carter family next generation are back with a bang! I love the flawed characters and there are plenty of them, as the family plan their next big job. Carla is developing into her own and planning her first robbery but will she survive? Another entertaining, fast paced thriller which I am sure fans of the genre will enjoy. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,524 reviews27 followers
May 10, 2024
The Carters next generation book one.
Stepping down Jimmy Carter is looking for a new top dog.
One wrong move will mean their Downfall.
Oh my what a start, an amazing book that will grip you and full of twists along the chapters to hold your emotions big time.
I loved it and cannot wait for the next
Profile Image for Lynn.
629 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2024
I really like this authors books and enjoy gangland books. Unfortunately I struggled with this one a bit. There were so many characters mentioned who were all related and I found it very difficult to work out who was who and how they were related. It did take away some of the enjoyment of this book. Overall it was a good enjoyable read but I just expected more.
Profile Image for Lucy.
911 reviews12 followers
July 1, 2024
Thank you Boldwood Books for a gifted copy of this new release.

The story revolves around the intriguing characters of the Carter family and delivers a gripping mix of action, drama, and suspense that kept me hooked. This intricate gangland thriller is full of surprises and escalating tension that kept me engaged from start to finish. The storyline is fast-paced and addictive. I can't wait to dive into this series and witness how the new generation of the Carter family develops and grows.

Any fan of this genre or author should check out this recommended read.

'Downfall' is out now!
Profile Image for Tracey.
71 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2024
Very enjoyable

Another great chapter in the life of the Carters. These books just get better and better. If you haven't started following the Carter family then I can honestly say you are missing out.
Profile Image for Bookstagramshaz  Sharon Logue     .
246 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. I was in mourning when it was the last book in the Carter Series. I became VERY excited to learn, that Kerry had started a new series ….
The next generation of the Carters!!

Few old characters and some new ones. I can’t wait for the next one. Keep em coming!!
Profile Image for Kim.
412 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2024
And kapow, this book starts with a punch in the face and continues throughout. A cracking read by Kerry Kaya. The Carters are back and
are chasing diamonds. With a touch on some of the other families that Kerry has written this book is a must. for; fans of crime violence and anger.
thoroughly recommended. As usual, it is outstanding and enjoyable to read.
Profile Image for George Nnochiri.
31 reviews
August 12, 2024
Very enjoyable and fast paced book. I liked the way it brought previous series of story lines together seamlessly
Profile Image for Angelique Burton.
122 reviews
September 10, 2024
Fantastic

Another great read. The Carter's and tempests don't make live easy but plenty twists and turns to keep you on the edge.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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